Manchester’s hosting of the 2024 MTV EMAs is expected to bring a multi-million-pound “boost” to the local economy.
In case you missed it, it was announced last week the MTV had selected Manchester as the host city for this year’s European Music Awards (EMAs), which are taking place in November – and they’re set to take over the new Co-op Live arena.
Now in its 30th year, MTV’s annual European Music Awards is one of music’s biggest global celebrations, and the 2024 show being staged in our city mark its long-awaited return to the UK.
Broadcasting from Manchester’s brand-new, purpose-built live entertainment arena, Co-op Live, on MTV in over 150 countries on Sunday 10 November 2024, the show is set to honour and unite music’s brightest stars.
The prestigious show will additionally be available in multiple territories on Pluto TV, and on-demand on Paramount+.
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But not only will it showcase Manchester on Europe’s – and arguably, the world’s – biggest stage, and shine a worthy spotlight on just how brilliant our city is, Councillors and local leaders are also anticipating that it’ll bring in millions to our local economy too – particularly the commercial, hospitality, retail, and transport sectors.
Cllr Bev Craig, who is the Leader of Manchester City Council, says MTV “could not have picked a better place” for this year’s EMAs.
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Manchester’s hosting of the MTV EMAs is expected to bring in millions for the city’s economy / Credit: Wikimedia Commons | MTV
Speaking on Manchester’s newest honour, and the wider impact she know’s it’ll bring, Cllr Craig commented: “With one of the fastest-growing city populations and economies in Europe, and recognised in every part of the globe for our rich music history and heritage, alongside an amazing and diverse music scene, MTV could not have picked a better place for this year’s EMAs.
“As well as providing an epic not-to-be-missed celebration of the very best of the best music and artists, the MTV EMAs will deliver a huge boost for our local economy.
“It’ll result in significant commercial and wider benefits for the city, and showcase Manchester to a global audience of millions, whilst also attracting thousands of visitors who will contribute massively to the local economy during their stay.”
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The world-renowned event will be staged at the city’s new Co-op Live arena this November / Credit: Co-op Live
Cllr Craig says Manchester City Council will be working with MTV, Co-op Live, and other partner organisations closely over the coming months to make sure they generate “the maximum benefit” for the city, and create “a lasting legacy” for years to come once the event‘s been and gone.
“We’re confident that Manchester will provide a superb platform for the best MTV EMAsyet,” she added.
“We look forward to welcoming MTV and the global music community to the city this autumn.”
The 2024 MTV EMAs are to be held at the Co-op Live in Manchester on Sunday 10 November 2024, and fans looking to secure tickets are advised to keep their eyes peeled.
Featured Image – MTV
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Rio Ferdinand is stepping away from TNT Sports after more than a decade
Danny Jones
Manchester United legend and ex-England international Rio Ferdinand has announced he will be stepping away from TNT Sports, leaving more than a decade with the broadcaster.
Ferdinand has spent the best part of the last 10 years serving as a leading pundit and analyst, as well as hosting his own ‘Rio Meets’ online series – the interview format of which has been replicated on his YouTube channel.
However, after having been one of their main anchors both under the BT Sport and even more so since the inception of the rebranded TNT Sports Football umbrella, the 46-year-old has confirmed he has now quit their regular coverage following the Champions League final this weekend.
In a lengthy statement on social media, the ex-Man United defender, who also played for Leeds, West Ham, Bournemouth and QPR, described it as a “difficult decision.”
Taking time to thank the network for their “tremendous support” over the years, especially those “behind the scenes, whose work often goes unseen but has been essential to our success.”
The talented centre-back retired in May 2015 after more than 500 appearances and 81 national team caps, making an almost immediate switch into punditry and remaining a household name.
Rio has also remained a popular figure at Old Trafford and, indeed, across various parts of Manchester since leaving United in 2014.
For instance, his self-titled Foundation has carried out some truly transformational local outreach across various boroughs, as it has back in his home city of London.
Responding to the news, TNT Sports said nothing more than “Thanks for everything, Rio”; meanwhile, fellow former Red, Danny Simpson (who retired last year and also works as a pundit/presenter for MUTV) added: “You’re going to be missed, bro. Every time you’re on, you give us all the mad insight.”
However, he has promised he will remain in the media industry, continuing to work under the Rio Ferdinand Presents digital brand and pursuing “other business interests”.
With his ‘Rio Reacts’ and ‘Vibe with FIVE’ series regularly raking in millions of views, he might not be on the box during European nights but you’ll still be seeing plenty of him.
Rare bat-eared foxes have arrived at Chester Zoo for the first time in more than 30 years
Emily Sergeant
It’s time to say a big hello, as rare bat-eared foxes have now arrived at Chester Zoo.
The two sisters, named Maasai and Malindi, have been welcomed by conservationists after travelling more than 500 miles from a zoo in Paris, and they are the first mammals of their kind to come to Chester Zoo in more than 30 years.
First images show the pair exploring their home in the zoo’s new Heart of Africa habitat – which officially opened to the public back in March, and is the largest zoo development ever undertaken in the UK, spanning more than 22.5 acres in size.
The adorable – but rather unique-looking – bat-eared fox is named after its distinctive oversized ears and is native to the open savannahs and arid grasslands of eastern and southern Africa.
They live for around 13 years on average, and their characteristically large ears help regulate their body temperature and enhance their incredible hearing, allowing them to prey like detect insects moving underground.
The species faces increasing threats in the wild, largely due to the loss of their habitat caused by agriculture, human encroachment, and hunting.
This is why Chester Zoo has long been at the forefront of protecting African wildlife.
Its teams’ have been supporting everything from the safe translocation of northern giraffes to protected national parks in Uganda, to developing cutting-edge AI trail cameras to protect giant pangolins from illegal trafficking in recent years.
Bat-eared foxes have arrived at Chester Zoo for the first time in 30 years / Credit: Chester Zoo
“It’s incredibly exciting to welcome bat-eared foxes back to Chester Zoo after a 30-year hiatus,” commented David White, who is the Twilight Team Manager at Chester Zoo.
“Both Maasai and Malindi are settling in well so far, spending much of their time exploring their expansive home and getting to know their new housemates – a family of twelve Cape porcupines. These two species would often come across one another in the wild, so we’ve recreated this right here at Chester.
“In time, we hope to introduce one of the two sisters to a male fox, with the hope that we can contribute to the European conservation breeding programme, helping to ensure there’s a healthy, genetically diverse back-up population in human care.
Emily Sergeant -
4th March 2024 
